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Trump administration begins sweeping layoffs with probationary workers, warns of larger cuts to come; NYC music school teachers strike after union negotiations break down; Ohio advocates push for inclusive policies during Black History Month; Health experts recommend sunshine, socializing to cure 'winter blues.'

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Federal workers tasked with securing elections from foreign interference are placed on leave, parents' organizations reject dismantling Dept. of Education, and the Congressional Black Caucus presses discussions on slavery reparations.

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Rural America struggles with opioids and homelessness in unexpected ways, Colorado's Lariat Ditch could help spur local recreation, and book deliveries revive rural communities hit by Hurricane Helene.

NC senators urged to turn down Trump's Project 2025-linked budget director

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Monday, January 13, 2025   

As confirmations for the next Trump administration have begun, environmental groups say senators should turn down Russ Vough - the incoming president's pick to head the Office of Management and Budget.

Vought held the position during President Donald Trump's first term. Since then, he's come under fire, in particular for his prominent role in Project 2025.

David Kieve, president of EDF Action, the advocacy partner of the Environmental Defense Fund, said the pick should be especially concerning as North Carolinians recover from Hurricane Helene, because of Vought's role in slowing aid to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria.

"The fact that Russ Vought has a history of withholding aid to other Americans should concern them deeply," said Kieve, "and should concern North Carolina's United States senators as they assess whether or not to give their vote of confidence."

Vought's first confirmation hearing is scheduled for this Wednesday.

In announcing his nomination, Trump said Vought has worked for years in public policy in Washington, D.C., and is "an aggressive cost-cutter and deregulator."

In recordings obtained by ProPublica and Documented, Vought says he wanted to defund the Environmental Protection Agency.

In those recordings, Kieve also noted that Vought attacks federal employees.

"He said that it was his goal, if he got back into office, to put the staff 'in trauma,'" said Kieve. "That's a direct quote - so that they couldn't do their jobs effectively, and help to provide clean air and clean water."

Kieve said there's a sense in Washington, D.C., that Vought will likely be confirmed because he headed the Office of Management and Budget during Trump's first administration.

"We strenuously disagree with that conventional wisdom," said Kieve, "because we think that Russ has disqualified himself from the office, given his conduct since he was last confirmed."



Disclosure: Environmental Defense Fund contributes to our fund for reporting on Climate Change/Air Quality, Energy Policy, Environment, Public Lands/Wilderness. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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